After a year of not doing any public indoor activities, we decided we needed a change. Being outdoors had been difficult in February in Chicago, so we wondered whether it'd be safe to visit Shedd Aquarium. On the website, the listed precautions include limited capacity, timed entry and mandatory masks. Traffic is also directed in one way in most areas. Reading this made me feel somewhat more ... Read more
Chicago Snowstorm Photo Diary
Well, that was quite a snowstorm. We already had several inches on the ground when the weekend's foot of snowfall hit. This is the most snow I've experienced since moving to Chicago in 2015. I now live in the suburb of Skokie, where we saw some nice accumulation. I'm sharing my photos of the weekend Chicago snowstorm. Our birdhouse was blanketed with snow! Snow from our roof also fell onto our ... Read more
Visiting Kroll’s Fall Harvest Farm
I was unsure whether we'd visit a pumpkin farm in 2020 because I doubted we'd be able to keep our distance, but a neighbor told me about Kroll's Fall Harvest Farm in Waukegan. Kroll's was offering timed entry tickets to help make social distancing possible and avoid crowds. We visited on Halloween at the 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. time slot. With timed tickets, you can visited during those hours only. We ... Read more
Celebrating 5 Years of Living in Chicago
** This post about living in Chicago is sponsored by Zumper. All opinions are my own. It's hard to believe that G and I have lived in the Chicago area for half a decade now. We had no idea what our new adventure would bring when we moved from Arizona to Chicago in 2015, but we are so grateful we took the leap. It's definitely changed our lives. I'm reflecting on some of what I've learned ... Read more
Visiting Brookfield Zoo After Reopening
We haven't done much besides have picnics and go on family walks for the past five months now, so if we find an opportunity to do something fun outside while maintaining a safe distance from others, we will jump at the chance. At the same time, my husband won't have many days off, especially on weekends, for the next few months. That's why we took a random Tuesday off together to have a family day ... Read more
Trying Riche Organics Bath Bombs
The pandemic has severely hit small businesses. Now more than ever it's important to support local and small companies as much as possible. One of the local businesses I've supported recently is Riche Organics, a retailer of organic soaps, candles, bath bombs and other body products, including some with CBD. Riche Organics is located in the Old Orchard Mall (Westfield) shopping center in Skokie, ... Read more
Visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden After Reopening
We've been sticking to the quarantine life despite the reopening of many businesses and activities in the Chicago area. But when the Chicago Botanic Garden announced its reopening this month, we felt comfortable planning a visit. This is because its outdoors and visitors must make a reservations and pick a time slot for entry. While the entry time is reserved, you may obviously stay as long as you ... Read more
Keeping Kids Entertained With WE Events Chicago Craft Kits
Like so many parents, I've been looking for ways to keep my kids entertained and happy during this difficult time. It seems so unfair to them to tell them they can't go to playgrounds, attend swim lessons, play with friends or see family members in person, even though it's necessary. At the same time, I have tried to support local businesses, so I picked up some craft kits from WE Events Chicago ... Read more
Our Visit to Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago
Graham and I went on a day date over the weekend for Valentine's Day and my birthday. I have wanted to check out the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago on Michigan Avenue since it opened in 2019, and it finally seemed like the perfect opportunity. We parked in the Interpark garage at 50 E. Ohio Street, for which Starbucks will validate your parking. The rate is $12 for up to four hours of parking. ... Read more
My First Class at Barry’s Bootcamp in Lincoln Park, Chicago
Last weekend I had a chance to participate in a workout fundraiser at Barry's Bootcamp in Lincoln Park. Nimbe, a blogger I follow on Instagram (@fitfooddreams) who is running the Chicago Marathon as a part of a charity team, was raising funds for Latinos Progresando. I have been enjoying trying new fitness classes lately, so trying Barry's Bootcamp was exciting, and helping a great cause was a ... Read more